15 - Charles Piutau (Blues):
His team may have struggled this season, but this a fast, elusive runner is going to be a menace to opposition teams for many years come.Bubbling under: Israel Dagg (Crusaders)

14 - JP Pietersen (Sharks):
He was a key element in the Sharks' second-half revival, especially his high workrate.Bubbling under: Gio Aplon (Stormers)

12 - Sonny Bill Williams (Chiefs):
He has always had special skills and has matured as a Rugby Union player this season. He'll be a big hit in Japan now that the circus moves on.Bubbling under: Mike Harris (Reds)

11 - Julian Savea (Hurricanes):
You can see why some pundits like to compare him to the great Jonah Lomu. And he will get better with time.Bubbling under: Napolioni Nalaga (Western Force)

10 - Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes):
Showed why he was part of the All Black squad this year and even though his debut was off the bench, he is likely to start pushing for a starting spot if he continues with his current form.Bubbling under: Dan Carter (Crusaders)

9 - Francois Hougaard (Bulls):
He is beginning to regain the form that made him such a hit at the World Cup last year, while those box kicks are also far more effective.Bubbling under: Will Genia (Reds)

6 - Heinrich Brüssow (Cheetahs):
His influence in the first half, before being replaced by injury at half-time, was why the Cheetahs held a nine-point lead. His absence gave the Sharks the freedom they required and showed exactly how important he is to the Cheetahs' cause.Bubbling under: Siya Kolisi (Stormers)

5 - Juandre Kruger (Bulls):
He provides so much more than just being a line-out leader - with ball in hand and at the breakdown he is a key factor for the Bulls.Bubbling under: Andries Bekker (Stormers)

4 - Luke Romano (Crusaders):
He is going to be an establishment in New Zealand's black for years to come - the new rock of the pack.Bubbling under: Liaki Moli (Blues)

3 - Jacobie Adriaanse (Lions):
He has grown in stature this year, one of several former Stellenbosch players in a Lions team that made the Bulls work hard for their money.Bubbling under: Ben Tameifuna (Chiefs)

2 - Dane Coles (Hurricanes)
The livewire hooker is probably not as abrasive as some of his rivals, but his workrate more than makes up for whatever he may lack in the physical exchanges.Bubbling under: Stephen Moore (Brumbies)